Problems this morning

Den · Nov 22, 2008, 11:27:08

This morning I turned on my computer and it started up and then went to a blank screen (no input to monitor) but hard drive was active, after a while I restarted the computer and nothing happened but the screen just flashed different colours. Turned it off again and this time it said as Windows Vista had not closed correctly would I like to start in safe mode. This I did and it started OK but would not let me run Outlook 2007 or IE8.
Closed down in the normal way and restarted and everything was working fine.

What was that all about? The only programs I seem to have problems with are Microsoft's own. IE8 is great but seems to lock up every now and then. My son has put it on his computer and says he really likes it but his freezes as well.

Rik · Nov 22, 2008, 11:28:59

I've had something similar happen a couple of times, Den. In my case, the graphics card didn't seem to be initialising properly.

Den · Nov 22, 2008, 11:34:39

Just seems strange that in safe mode the only two programs that would not run were Microsoft's own

Sebby · Nov 22, 2008, 11:36:45

It's difficult to say what the problem was. It could be the start of a component failing, probably the graphics card. Keep an eye on things and see how it goes.

Rik · Nov 22, 2008, 11:38:34

Quote from: Den on Nov 22, 2008, 11:34:39
Just seems strange that in safe mode the only two programs that would not run were Microsoft's own

A lot of things won't run in safe mode, Den, due to the limited number of drivers loaded, for example.

Sebby · Nov 22, 2008, 11:40:37

Outlook should, though.

Glenn · Nov 22, 2008, 11:40:52

Could have been a driver getting corrupted when loading

Glenn · Nov 22, 2008, 11:41:41

Looking in the Event log should cast some light on the cause.

greenfedora · Nov 22, 2008, 14:17:51

I have found that Vista sometimes seems to appear to have died on boot up. But often it'll resume after a few minutes or so and eventually boot okay. I usually find it's a mistake to interrupt it as I then start to get additional problems.

It only does this once in a while and it might be after a fix has been installed (although I'm not sure) but all I see is a black screen. I give it a good 5 minutes before hitting the button.

Den · Nov 22, 2008, 14:24:49

I wondered if that was what it was as the hard drive was working away. Next time I will leave it and play safe.

J!ll · Nov 22, 2008, 14:40:29

Give it a good bash

Rik · Nov 22, 2008, 14:48:09

Or lash?